Rachel Scarpelli, Music Specialist
Rachel Scarpelli joined the FMS staff in 2018 with an Early Childhood Education Certificate from the Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education, as well as a BS degree from Middle Tennessee State University. She taught lower elementary for a year, and is now leading the music program for ages 3-12. As a former performer for the Walt Disney Resort for 7 years, Rachel honed her professional singing and performance skills. She trained at the Florida School of Music and recently completed level 1 Orff Music Certification. Orff training emphasizes “active music making through singing, playing instruments, speech and movement.” Rachel’s love of voice as a tool for self expression and exploring cultural diversity is matched by the joy she feels when others explore their creativity through music and performance.
Maria Pate, Spanish Specialist
Maria joined the FMS faculty in 2006, bringing with her the flavor of her native Spain. She holds an MA in Education (foreign language emphasis) and an MA in Linguistics. Once she discovered the power of the Montessori method, and the true independence it instills in its students, Maria went back to school and obtained her Montessori Certification (3-6 year olds). She came to FMS with over four years of teaching experience and infuses an enthusiasm for learning with all of her students. Maria says: “One of the things that I love about Montessori is how a student become independent. He or she will do a job for their own personal satisfaction rather than to receive praise from parents and/or teachers.”